What Is 2018 PDC Players Championship 3

Overview

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 3 was the third of 20 events in the PDC Players Championship series that year. Held on March 3, 2018, it brought together top professional darts players for a one-day knockout tournament.

Organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the event followed a straight knockout format with matches played to the best of 11 legs. The tournament was part of the ProTour series, contributing ranking money and points toward the PDC Order of Merit.

• Michael van Gerwen claimed the title by defeating Dave Chisnall 6–2 in the final, showcasing his dominance with a 101.4 average in the match.
• The event featured 128 players, including top-ranked professionals and qualifiers from the PDC Tour Card system, ensuring high-level competition throughout.
• Each match was played as a best-of-11 legs format, with no sets, emphasizing consistency and scoring under pressure.
• Prize money totaled £100,000, with the winner earning £20,000, reinforcing the tournament’s significance on the ProTour circuit.
• The venue, Barnsley Metrodome, is a regular host for PDC events and provided a capacity crowd, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship events are structured to give Tour Card holders consistent competitive opportunities throughout the year. These tournaments are untelevised but crucial for ranking and qualification purposes.

• Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket. Each match was best-of-11 legs, requiring players to win six legs to progress.
• Scoring System: Legs are won by finishing on a double. Players aim for high averages, with 180s (maximum score per turn) being common among top players.
• Entry: All 128 PDC Tour Card holders were eligible, with no qualifiers or invites, ensuring a fair and competitive field.
• Prize Distribution: The winner earned £20,000, runner-up £10,000, and quarter-finalists received £5,000, with decreasing amounts down to last 64.
• Ranking Impact: Prize money earned contributes directly to the PDC Order of Merit, influencing world rankings and qualification for televised events.
• Venue Rotation: The 2018 series rotated across various UK venues; this event was the third of the year and held in Barnsley, England.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 PDC Players Championship 3 with other similar darts events in terms of format, prize money, and structure:

While Players Championship events offer lower prize money than major televised tournaments, they are critical for players to maintain form and ranking. The consistent format allows for direct performance comparison across the season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 3 was more than just another ProTour event—it played a vital role in shaping the competitive landscape of professional darts that year. Its outcomes influenced player rankings, qualification paths, and momentum heading into major tournaments.

• Michael van Gerwen's win reinforced his status as world number one, adding to his dominant 2018 season with consistent ProTour success.
• The event provided crucial ranking points for the PDC Order of Merit, affecting qualification for the Premier League and World Matchplay.
• For emerging players, reaching later rounds offered confidence and financial stability, helping them remain competitive on the tour.
• The uninterrupted format allowed players to focus on rhythm and scoring, differentiating it from televised events with longer breaks.
• Organizers used this event to test player endurance across multiple matches in a single day, simulating conditions of larger tournaments.
• The Barnsley venue’s consistent hosting demonstrated the PDC’s strategy of regional accessibility for fans and players alike.

Ultimately, the 2018 PDC Players Championship 3 exemplified the depth and competitiveness of professional darts, serving as both a proving ground and a platform for sustained excellence.